Ouachita Parish History Tidbits

Tag: West Monroe History

  • Ronald McDonald Kidnapped in 1979

    Does anyone remember this prank pulled in early December of 1979? Someone removed the statue of Ronald McDonald from the local McDonalds and somehow placed him on top of the…

  • When was the White’s Ferry Road Bridge Opened?

    Last month, a patron came in and asked when the bridge was built over D’Arbonne bayou at White’s Ferry. I must admit, I was caught flat-footed. I had never been…

  • Why West Monroe is not Trenton.

    Interesting twist on the reason behind the name! Ouachita Citizen, March 21, 1941, Page 1 West Monroe’s Post Office Difficulties Began Back in 1883 When Cottonport as Town Name Was…

  • Trenton Postmaster Absconds With the Loot!

    The South-Western (Shreveport, LA) Wednesday, October 22, 1856, Page 2, Column 3 LOOK OUT FOR HIM! – A letter to the Claiborne Advocate, dated Trenton, La., Oct. 8th, says: “Our…

  • Flooding in West Monroe

    I have no clue where in West Monroe this was taken. I don’t even know when. I don’t see any levees, so this would be before 1935. I saw this postcard for sale…

  • Meet The Hasleys

    These two photos were found in Dr. E. Russ Williams’ collection. They are Phinetta Wooten Newman Hasley and her second husband, David Hasley. You are probably familiar with Hasley Cemetery,…

  • West Monroe Celebrates It’s 140th Birthday!

    Today marks the 140th anniversary of the founding of West Monroe. The story goes that the railroad men, when they crossed the river would say they were “…west of Monroe.”…

  • The Barbarossa Baseball Team – 1914

    Did you know West Monroe had a baseball team? In 1933, the above photo was published in the Ouachita Citizen. It was asked if anyone recognized the players. All they…

  • Doc’s Saloon Bar is Carried Away

    This clipping makes my jaw drop. It is a photo from the Citizen in 1972, just a few days before I would be born just right across the river! It…

  • Ouachita Valley Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall

    This big building stood till the 1970’s at the site of the old Ouachita Valley Fairgrounds. It hosted Fair exhibits, music performances (the Twin City Jamboree) and revival meetings. These…